LAND COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1453, 13 May 1905, Page 3

LAND COMMISSION.

(Per Press Association.) Mangouui, last night. Giving evidence at the Land Commission, William Garton said ho thought the freehold decidedly tho boat tenure. Ho favored the optional system. Deferred payment was good, but tho residence conditions woro too harsh, and ho advocated the homestead system. Joseph .Foster favorod the freehold, but approved of lease with right of purohase. Joseph Shavor said he was satisfied with the perpetual lease if there was no revalu- J ation. I

Auckland, last night. Giving evidence before the Land Commission, Mr R. M. Houston, M.H.R., said that as to land boards he agreed to their present constitution, with this exception that county councils should aot as advisory councils to the boards, as being better acquainted with local conditions and the quality of lands open for selection. As to I land tenure, hs was in favor of the freehold„and favored the homestead system, j Leaseholders should have tbo option of j purchasing the freehold when they de- I sired. Ho wbs entirely opposed to the I ballot system, it being a form of gambling ; I he would prefer the auotion system. The I residential restrictions were too stringent, I and should be relaxed. He considered I that the Advancos to Settlers Aot worked I satisfactorily. He was entirely opposed j to a revaluation of lands held on leasehold I tonure, and considered it iniquitous. j